My comrades, there is a matter about to be submitted to all of you. The fate of the world rests in your hands. You see, we have noticed a growing tension among both students and faculty, and also wish to have an excuse to overthrow capitalism. This tension has not been a passing matter, either. It has grown steadily for nine years, and now the pot comes to a boil. What are we to do? I, for one, say that we declare ourselves independent from the United States of America, and free ourselves from the dictatorship that is the (I Don't Want to Release the Name of My School District on the Internet, Where Anyone Can See It) School District!
Now, many say that we are weak; that we are unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a teacher shall be peering over every computer? Shall we gather strength by doing nothing? Shall we acquire the means of effective resistance by lying spinelessly on our backs and hugging the false phantom of hope, until our oppressors shall have bound us by hand and by foot? Comrades, we are not weak if we make a proper use of the means which we have in our power. The dozens of people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us.
Besides, my comrades, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations, and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. Comrades, the battle is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Moreover, we have no election. Who elects our superiors? Who has a say in who shall govern our every act? Those who govern must be held accountable! I say to you: there is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the halls of this very school! The Revolution is inevitable--and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come!
It is in vain to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, “Peace, peace!” But there is no peace. The Revolution is actually begun! The next wind that comes from the east will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brothers are already in the field of battle! Why do we sit here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!
And, so, I declare unto all of you, unto this entire school, and unto all mankind, the existence of a Patrick Henry Communist Party. We shall liberate the masses. We shall break free from our oppression. We shall break free from our chains that bind us in slavery! We shall!
And, so, my comrades, this matter is of grave importance. Will you support liberty? Or will you support slavery? The matter is left entirely in your hands. Will you found the People’s Republic of Patrick?